3 months since I got my kenalog injection. The atrophy is still here and I haven't seen any changes. Any hope? (Photos)

Question

It is purple inside and white all the way around it. Is hyperpigmentation permanent?? Will those go away at month 6? Please help.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be improved with a combination of lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, fillers and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Steroid injections can help with acute acne flares but can also have unintended consequences like the fat atrophy seen in your pictures.  This is unlikely to improve significantly and treatment would require filler placement or fat grafting to help improve the contour defect.  Hope this helps.

Gabriel J. Martinez-Diaz, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. It would be helpful that you seek the expertise of a board certified dermatologist. As a known side effect of steroid injections we can intervene with a number of treatment options. One that we commonly use is subcision and saline injection which stimulates the area to plump up. in the future make sure they only use 2.5mg/ml or 3mg/ml concentration of kenalog for any acne injections on the face, as well as minimize the total volume use.

3 months since I got my kenalog injection. The atrophy is still here and I haven't seen any changes. Any hope? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Steroid induced acne atrophy

Answer: Steroid induced acne atrophy

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

3 months since I got my kenalog injection. The atrophy is still here and I haven't seen any changes. Any hope? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Steroid induced acne atrophy

Answer: Steroid induced acne atrophy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.